VehicleVerdict

2003 Buick Rendezvous problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 407 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Rendezvous year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 7 Rendezvous years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (89), engine (64), and electrical system (55), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

407

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Rendezvous years?

Rendezvous NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted690 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 690 complaints2003: 407 complaints2004: 300 complaints2005: 196 complaints2006: 131 complaints2007: 70 complaints
Rendezvous NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rendezvous years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Buick Rendezvous problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System8922%
Engine6416%
Electrical System5514%
Brakes4912%
Transmission277%
Suspension236%
Visibility & Wipers236%
Steering174%
Tires & Wheels102%
Airbags92%
Body & Structure92%
Other72%
Latches & Locks61%
Speed Control51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)51%
Lighting51%
Seats20%
Driver Assistance10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V349000Fuel SystemAugust 8, 2007 · 20,594 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Consequence

A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

04V150000Latches & LocksMarch 29, 2004 · 103,956 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRUCTURAL SUPPORT AT THE LATCH ATTACHMENT IN THE REAR LIFTGATE MAY BE INADEQUATE TO RETAIN THE LATCH TO THE LIFTGATE IN CERTAIN SEVERE VEHICLE CRASH EVENTS.

Consequence

IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN IN A VEHICLE CRASH, AN OCCUPANT COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS TO THE LIFTGATE IN THE AREA ADJOINING THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080. THIS IS AN EXPANSION TO A PREVIOUS RECALL (03V211).

03V250000OtherJuly 15, 2003 · 1,707,825 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V052000SteeringFebruary 20, 2003 · 4,512 units

Defect

IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO SPIN INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULTING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, WITH A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

03V051000AirbagsFebruary 14, 2003 · 130 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000AirbagsAugust 9, 2002 · 133,221 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence

PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

FUEL TANK INLET CONNECTION TO FUEL TANK HAS FRACTURED, ALLOWING VAPORS AND FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE AREA AROUND THE JOINT IS MOIST WITH FUEL, AND LEAKING DROPLETS MAKE A SPOT ON THE DRIVEWAY UNDERNEATH FUEL TANK. SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL TO RECALL NUMBER 07V349000 (RENDEZVOUS 2002-2004)…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 6, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED WITH A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A MELTED CABLE CONNECTED TO THE HEATER AND THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2010 · fire

OPENED CAR AT END OF WORKDAY, AND FOUND AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAD MELTED PART OF THE DASHBOARD, PART OF DRIVER'S SEAT AND CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE ENTIRE CAR WAS COVERED IN SOOT AND SMELLED OF ELECTRICAL FIRE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, NOR HAD THERE BEEN ANY RECENT REPAIRS.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 2, 2010 · fire

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THIS OCCURRED AT 5-10 MPH IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC ON A DRY ROAD. THE POLICE WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME ON FOUR FLAT TIRES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 22, 2004 · crash

WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL START TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE IT HARD TO STOP THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE MESSAGE COMES UP THAT THE TRACTION IS OFF. ONCE THE TRACTION SYSTEM DISABLES ITSELF THE BRAKE WILL WORK PROPERLY. IF A BUMP IS HIT THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND CONTINUALLY DINGS UNTIL YOU TURN OFF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2012

2003 Buick Rendezvous — common questions

Is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 407 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 7 Rendezvous years. It is one of the Rendezvous years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Rendezvous problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (89 complaints), engine (64 complaints), electrical system (55 complaints).

Does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Rendezvous years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rendezvous years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Rendezvous years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.